The Pulitzer Foundation is much more than just another art gallery. It lets you make up your own mind about the art on display, with no placards on the walls telling you what to think. It aims to democratise the experience of galleries, with viewers finding a personal meaning in the artists’ work.
The building which houses the collections is a masterpiece in itself. Two minimalist rectangles made of smooth, solid concrete and glass face each other across a pool of water, creating a shifting atmosphere which is by turn relaxing and reflective. The architect Tadao Ando wanted it to be a space where ‘you learn things that could not be foreseen from the outside’.
Outside you’ll find a small courtyard dominated by a red sculpture named Joe. Make your way through Joe’s spiralling steel walls to reach the other side of the quad before heading in to the gallery. As you enter, keep an eye out for Ellsworth Kelly’s Blue and Black which hangs on the South Wall.
Apart from the small permanent collection, exhibitions change every six months, so no matter how many times you’ve been to St. Louis it’s always worth dropping in to see what’s on. Previous displays have invited visitors to explore all aspects of modern art, from minimalism to spirituality.
There is a full calendar of talks, concerts, panel discussions and workshops listed on the museum’s website where you can sign up to take part. The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra plays here each month – a definite highlight for lovers of classical music. For anyone who wants a more in-depth look at the current exhibition, why not book yourself on to one of the monthly guided tours.
The Pulitzer Foundation of Art is free to visit but only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so be sure to plan your visit carefully in order not to miss out. It is located in the city centre and is easy to reach by bus and Metro.
